The iconic Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Remake has made a triumphant return exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2, quickly establishing itself as a frontrunner in the race for the 2026 Game of the Year accolade. Amidst fierce competition, notably from Grand Theft Auto 6, the remake has impressed critics worldwide, securing an outstanding 96 Metacritic score—the highest rating awarded to any game this year.
Among the earliest comprehensive assessments comes from Spain, where reviewers assigned the game a remarkable 9.5 out of 10. They praised the title for its significant graphical enhancements, subtle yet impactful gameplay tweaks scattered throughout, a completely overhauled control scheme, and an orchestral soundtrack that elevates the experience. Additionally, the review highlighted how well the game has aged, defying expectations about classic titles struggling to maintain relevance in modern gaming.
Critical Acclaim Across the Globe
The remake’s reception has been overwhelmingly positive, with multiple outlets awarding it perfect scores. Prestigious gaming platforms such as Nintendúo, Areajugones, IGN Brasil, Nintenderos, Omelete, VGC, and Eurogamer all gave the game a flawless 10/10, underscoring its universal acclaim. Other respected critics—Wccftech, MeriStation, and Atomix—offered slightly lower but still exceptional evaluations, rating the game at 9.5.
Additional reviews from notable outlets such as IGN, Metro, Forbes, GameSpot, and Nintendo Life rated the remake at 9 out of 10, commending its faithful recreation alongside modern improvements. Even mainstream publications like the Washington Post and regional platforms such as TierraGamer provided solid scores of 8.8 and 8.7, respectively.
This widespread critical endorsement reaffirms the remake’s status not only as a nostalgic revival but also as a high-quality title that resonates with both longtime fans and newcomers. The game’s combination of classic storytelling, modernized gameplay, and enhanced audio-visual presentation has clearly struck a chord across diverse audiences.